NIBONG TEBAL: The unity government is set to field former teacher Dr Joohari Ariffin for the Sungai Bakap by-election on July 6.
A source who spoke to the New Straits Times said Joohari's name was the sole contender for the candidacy.
"That's the only name that surfaced," the source said.
The source said that Joohari, a local from Sungai Bakap, was well-known in the community.
"Being a former educator and a familiar face, this may help pull in votes for the unity government," the source added.
The unity government will announce its candidate for the Sungai Bakap by-election tonight.
Joohari, 60, who previously served as the director of the Aminuddin Baki Institute's northern branch is actively involved in charitable activities.
He has also collaborated closely with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, the MP for Nibong Tebal, on various party and parliamentary matters.
The Election Commission (EC) scheduled the by-election for July 6 following the death of the assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.
On June 3, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, leader of the Penang unity pact, confirmed that a PKR candidate would contest the by-election.
The decision was unanimously supported by all parties in the unity pact, adhering to the principle that the party which previously contested the seat should field a candidate again.
Yesterday, the unity government secretariat chief, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, said that the decision to field Joohari was finalised during a top leadership meeting of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional leaders.
He also said that Rafizi and Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir were appointed as co-chairs of the unity government election machinery steering committee.
The joint operation for the Sungai Bakap by-election will be led by Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid and Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir, representing the Penang unity government.